Mark Parkinson, aged 47 from Pontefract, was sentenced to 34 months imprisonment and Anthony Cunningham, aged 49 also from Pontefract, was given a 12 month Community Service Order and told to carry out 200 hours unpaid work.

This was after pleading guilty to conspiracy to import medicinal products without a licence and conspiracy to commit Trade Mark Act offences.

An investigation by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) found that between 2008 and 2010 Mr Michie imported over 1.2 million unlicensed erectile dysfunction tablets and over 141,000 other illegal medicines including diazepam worth over 3.5 million pounds. He later accepted payment for their sale.

Parcels of the drugs were imported from India, China and Hong Kong, by Mr Michie and handled by Mr Cunningham and Mr Parkinson, who worked as self-employed delivery drivers contracted to the Royal Mail.

Mr Michie is a former professional snooker player who reached the semi-final of the British Open in 1999 and knew Mr Parkinson through their mutual love of the sport. The pair later recruited Cunningham to assist their operation.

MHRA Head of Enforcement, Alastair Jeffrey, said:

The scale and organisation of this criminal enterprise demonstrates the determination of the individuals involved to profit from the illegal sales of medicines.

Criminals who illegally supply medicines are not concerned with the health of their customers - they only want their money.

To protect your health, visit your GP, get a correct diagnosis and buy medicines from a legitimate high street or registered pharmacy which can trade online.